Awareness walk for Prader-Willi Syndrome to be held on Saturday

Jennifer Lyn Graves will participate in the walk on Saturday.Courtesy Photo

JACKSON, MI -- Organizers are hoping about 200 members of the community gather at Cascade Falls Park on Saturday to take part in the annual Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Michigan awareness walk.

The Michigan chapter of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Michigan has scheduled an awareness walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, to bring attention to the rare syndrome. Team registration begins at 9 a.m.

Dewey Graves Jr., chapter president of the association and event organizer, said he expects the event to bring in about 200 people, including those who have been diagnosed with the syndrome, their families, and community members.

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by incomplete physical development such as short stature, low muscle tone and reduced cognitive function. Graves said the disease affects about one in 15,000 people.

Graves became involved with the cause after his daughter Jennifer Lyn, who is now 31, was diagnosed.

“Not many people know about it," Graves said. "It doesn’t get a lot of publicity because it’s so rare, and because it’s so rare it’s hard to get services.”

He said the annual walk takes place in different cities throughout the state each May, which is Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month. This is the first year the walk has taken place in Jackson, Graves said, adding that it is convenient since it is his hometown.

Those who register and attend Saturday’s event will be entered to win a trip to the National Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Michigan convention in Florida in November, Graves said.